Category: Hip Mommas & Pappas

For the more global parent who wants to introduce their children not only to wonderful learning toys, but to various cultures around the world, visit Ambassador Toys on San Francisco’s Embarcadero Street or West Portal Avenue. Founded in 1997, this unparalleled toy store promotes an “understanding and respect for cultures around the world through the beauty and creativity of toys, books and music,” according to their website

This isn’t any old toy store. Not only has it been dubbed every year since 2003 by readers of “Bay Area Parents” as the best toys store, the Guardian’s 25th anniversary edition named it the Best Toy Store You Wish Had Been Around When You Were a Kid. It has also been nominated for a TOTY award (the toy industry’s equivalent to an Academy Award) by the Toy Industry of America.

No shoot-em-up dummy video games in this place. Ambassador Toys offers an enormous array of quality toys from several categories, such as Dress-up, Arts and Crafts, Baby and Toddler, Farms and Stables, Foreign Language, Puppets, Plush Animals, Baby Dolls, Tea Sets, Bikes, and Trains. The list goes—well, you know: on and on and on. The selection includes tin and quality wood toys, reassuring construction and materials when so many plastic toys have been recalled lately.

Aside from the amazing selection, parents as well as children will enjoy shopping at Ambassador Toys because of the pleasant atmosphere, the complimentary gift wrapping, and personalized shopping assistance. No standing around cluelessly and frustratedly scratching your head. The store is also glad to refund your money within 30 days if you aren’t happy with your purchase (or store credit without a receipt), a policy not always followed since many stores such as this will only issue store credit no matter what.

Stop off any day of the week with your little one. You can’t go wrong here. Anything you choose will surely help broaden your child’s horizons. Take home a Scarlet Macaw hand puppet, a Space Station Set, or a wooden dollhouse Ethnic Family (yes it is officially called that). It’s as much of a treat for you as it is for your child, to watch your child grow and learn. Help them understand the larger world out there and, hey, have some fun while you’re at it.

Parents know the conundrum: You want your sweet baby to look her best, but not in a ninety dollar dress that she’ll wear twice and outgrow in three months. Contemplate Chloe’s Closet, a consignment store located in the trendy and sophisticated Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. The colorful walls, checkered floors, and quaint strings of white lights make the place feel more like a hip boutique than a consignment shop. Voted Best of the Bay 2005, 2006, and 2007, Chloe’s Closet buys, sells, and trades clothing from newborn to six years, as well as toys, gear, books, videos, and maternity clothing.

But we’re not talking any old used thing. Chloe’s only sells “popular” and “up-to-date” items in great condition. The walls display rows of funky rain galoshes and Robeez. The clothing racks are filled with one quality item after another, with enough variety to match any parent’s taste. “I happened on this store by accident,” the mother of 15-month old Emma said, “and can’t describe how excited I was. I bought designer outfits that normally run very expensive for only a few dollars.” The toys—many wooden and educational—are immaculately stacked from floor-to-ceiling, and range from traditional stacking rings to art easels to a wooden rocking horse. Parents can also find gear such as strollers and carrying slings; and their tots can cozy up in the reading corner near bookshelves filled with picture and board books.

For those wary of sifting through used items, Chloe’s Closet only accepts clothing “freshly laundered (preferably in an unscented detergent); free of stains, holes and excessive wear; folded neatly in a bag or box.” Toys must be “in good condition, clean and in good working order” and “not be missing any important pieces.” The battery-operated toys should even include installed working batteries.

Chloe’s Closet is more than the average consignment store. It involves and connects with the customer more than one would expect of such an establishment. The shop stays open every day of the week to accommodate all kinds of schedules; and includes helpful information online such as their consignment policies, personalized wish lists, and a mailer that comes with five dollars in credit. To top it off, Chloe’s also connects with the community, locally donating consignment items that haven’t sold within eight weeks.

Make a day of it. Chloe’s Closet is located within easy walking distance from the public library, an ice cream parlor, a playground, restaurants, and a yoga studio that offers pre-natal, post-natal and kids’ yoga. Parking is even relatively easy. There is enough expense and stress that comes with parenting—don’t let how you clothe your child be one of them. You can move onto the next conundrum: explaining to your child why she shouldn’t stick peas up of her nose.